Two pilots killed as MiG-21 jet crashes in Rajasthan

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Two Indian Air Force pilots were killed on Thursday evening as a MiG-21 jet crashed during a training sortie in Rajasthan's Barmer.</p>
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"A twin seater Mig-21 trainer aircraft of the IAF was airborne for a training sortie from Utarlai air base in Rajasthan this evening. Around 9:10 pm, the aircraft met with an accident near Barmer. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries," the Air Force said in a statement.</p>
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"IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families," the statement added.</p>
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A court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident.</p>
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari after the crash.</p>
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"Deeply anguished by the loss of two Air Warriors due to an accident of IAF's Mig-21 trainer aircraft near Barmer in Rajasthan," Mr Singh said on Twitter.</p>
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"Their service to the nation will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of sadness," he said</p>